JUMLA, Dec 5: An idol of the Hindu deity Dattatreya and other idols that were said to be stolen from the Chandannath Baba temple here last week, were found inside a wardrobe in the temple Saturday. 

The idols were found when the wardrobe was opened in the presence of the Nepal Police’s  Central Investigation Bureau team members and the representatives 

of the district administration, civil society and local religious organisations. 

Among the idols found inside the almirah are the ancient statuettes of the Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, said the Chief District Officer Rudra Prasad Poudel. 

Although it was stated that 28 idols were stolen as per the record, only 21 were stolen and the rest of the idols were intact in the temple, CDO Poudel said. 

Police have intensified the investigation for catching the thieves, according to the DSP Bishnu Kafle. He said that the 16-inch tall main idol of the Dattatreya has been found. 

The temple priest Chandra Mauleshwar Giri is under police custody for questioning and the District Administration Office, Jumla has on Friday suspended the Chandannath Bhairabnath Guthi Management Committee.RSS